By way of background, I have recently switched out a bunch of components in my system. Much of the change has been due to logistical, rather than performance related, reasons. I am awaiting the delivery of a QSonix server (they're still ripping my CDs) which I bought for the interface and the ability to centralize my music library for high quality listening and distributed listening (via Sonos) on a single hard drive. The sound of the Qsonix was very good at the dealer (Evolution AV in Agoura Hills, CA) but I certainly wasn't confident that it would represent improvement over my Cary 303/300.

Due to the QSonix cabling regimen, an outboard DAC would be required in my room. TAS also suggested the use of an outboard DAC and even QSonix Corp acknowledged that, while they liked their own internal DAC, many customers preferred outboard units. Since I had specific (and quirky) multiple output requirements, auditioning my final choices of DAC wasn't possible. I posted here for advice and ended up with the DAC 1, largely because it seemed like a "safe choice".

The DAC 1 replaced the Cary's internal DAC which, app 2 years ago replaced a Sony SCD 1. The Sony was the first CD player I really liked and it was in my system for 5ish years before I found the Cary. I really like the 303 and would not have considered replacing it. but for the logistics above. The Cary allows great flexibility (U/S or NOS, tube or SS). While I never found a single "default" setting I really appreciated the ability to "tailor" the sound for any given CD.

The DAC1 arrived yesterday -ahead of the QSonix- and I inserted it into the system temporarily using the Cary as a transport. I was more than a little surprised by the impact of the new DAC,

I was concerned that the DAC1 would be "dry" (solid state pro gear) and hopeful that it would provide powerful bass for the same reason. I cued the CD and.....dramatic improvement in image depth, front to back. This hadn't even crossed my mind-but (pardon the pun) it leapt out at me instantly. My first track was Rachelle Ferrell's "Sista" with it's punchy bass/kickdrum and powerful vocal. The separation between Ferrell and her backing singers was striking in a way I hadn't heard before. Subsequent tracks continued to highlight this phenomenon. Very surprised, very happy.

Tonally, the change was less dramatic, but still evident. Bass and mid-bass seemed lower in absolute level, but a tad tighter and cleaner. Similarly, the presence region seemed a touch more recessed. The KT88s in my amp seemed a bit "tamer", less evident and more neutral through the DAC 1 than through any setting on the Cary's internal DAC.

This is a very quick first impression after a few hours of listening. The good news is that the DAC 1 is clearly a great sounding DAC. I'm pretty sure that I prefer it to the internal DAC in the Cary which, honestly, comes as a bit of a surprise. Tonally, I suspect that the DAC 1 will complement some systems more than others- in mine it feels a bit more neutral when KT88s are in the loop. That may not be true when other amps/output tubes are in use. I'll follow up when I know more.

I am also using a DAC1 with KT88's, mine in C-J Premier 12's. I agree with Martykl, the DAC1 is neutral, detailed, and provides excellent soundstaging without grain or glare. The clean sound of the DAC1 matches well with the liquidity and bit of warmth from tubed down-stream components. The DAC1 bests the DAC in my Sony 999ES with RBCD's. Wish I could use the DAC1 for SACD's!

If you are running balanced out, don't forget to adjust the output attenuation. The factory default limits the sonics. Check your manual and run it full (0 db). Did you get the USB version. If not, swap it with Benchmark for the USB version (They used to have 30 day trial). You may not think that you will need it, but sonics are better through USB, and it will hold its value better long term. Don't forget to try some AC stuff. I've found it to be very responsive to power cords and conditioners. In fact, I have mine plugged into over twice it's value of product. It sort of pisses me off, as it is the only thing I use conditioning for (besides my Sound Lab's bias supply- because it is available and handy). When I try to remove something, the sound suffers and I put it back in.

If I were to buy it today, I would get the pre-amp version with the extra inputs as I prefer mine without a traditional preamp. Enjoy- it is a great unit. From what I can tell, they have steadily (and quietly) made improvements over the years to fix its weaknesses. Over the last year I have run mine with a lot of amps- tube and solid state. I keep "feeling" I should change it out because of its sticker price, not its sound. However, until the big guns start pumping out USB Dacs, it has few peers IMHO (ARC's due this spring- cannot wait for the review, yet hope the reviewers understand computer audio).

Disclosure:I haven't heard the Bel Canto Dac3. I was tempted to try it until I heard ARC is introducing one. With their introduction, others are surely to follow soon.

Signal path inside of DAC1 is, according to Benchmark's technical director John Siau, identical with or without volume control. Running Benchmark directly to power amp allows to get rid of one set of interconnects (and preamp's circuits - less is more). Be sure to protect switch on the back of the Benchmark to avoid accidental full power.

I switched the jumpers and think the sound may indeed be better. But I'm not sure how practical it is in a multi-source system. Through my pre-amp, if the normal listening level for vinyl and Benchmark via RCA is 20, it is now 10 or less via Benchmark XLR. This creates an opportunity for a major screw-up! I suppose I could switch to variable out and attenuate, but that would surely degrade the sound quality. Ah...maybe the calibration adjustments?

Variable doesn't work if you use volume control (one or another - identical signal path). -10dB is the worst (1600 Ohm output impedance), -20dB is 500 Ohm and 0dB is 60 Ohm. DAC1-USB has it lower. If you don't use volume control (have preamp) try to adjust calibration pots. After that get disk with low frequency (100Hz - 1kHz) calibration signal and adjust pots for perfect balance between channels using any voltmeter (or count full turns on trimpots - they have at least 10 turns). Most of preamps and integrated are designed to provide 100% of the signal at 1 o'clock position to leave room for soft sounding CDs or sources. I decided to keep it at 0dB and use only 1/3 of DAC1 volume control range (it is balanced well - at least mine)

I received my Dac1 (w/o usb) today and was absolutely surprised at how good it sounds, right out of the box. I'm using it with my squeezebox (CI power supply and upgraded power cord between the two) and absolutely agree about the power issue. Mine is using a shuntata taipan helix Vx into a hydra 8 - a bit overkill but I had the extra PC and the hydra had an open digital socket.

The convenience is awesome. I haven't compared it to my esoteric x-03 se but my intent was to use it for casual listening. After listening today, it isn't so "casual" but a very involving experience. I haven't tried the Bel canto Dac 3 either, and did consider it, but for the money, I just can't complain (yet).

I've now used the DAC-1 with KT 88, KT 66, and solid state amps into current spec VSMs. After a couple of weeks, I feel like I'm getting a sense of the DAC-1 versus, at least, the Cary through the VSMs. My basic reaction is that the DAC -1 will feel less "tubey" in that the mid-bass will seem shelved down a bit. The traditional Merlin character (to me, 'stat-like) in the mids will seem even more enhanced. In some systems, this may walk a fine line, flirting with too much of a good thing and approaching a slightly thin, analytical character. So, paradoxically.....

On the one hand a slightly aggresssive amp (in my case KT88 in Prima Luna 7s) may sound "tamer".

OTOH a lusher amp may also sound more neutral.

but, if your system is tonally where you want it now, the DAC-1 may bump you over the "analytical" line, IMHO.

Hey guys, got the dac 1 two days ago and have listened to a variety of music now for several hours. My first impression is it's very nice and detailed, however, as several of you mentioned it does seem thin. Not tinny of harsh but sound stage seems thin. I'm going to continue to play with the unit. Low volume levels are disappointing but I get happier with volume. Unfortunately, given that I have a 2 month old low volume is necessary.

Upgrade the power cord and get a good pair of head phones. You'll be thrilled. Mine was thin as well, but I had an extra Shunyata Taipan Helix Vx lying around, so gave it a try. I'm not suggesting a $650 power cord for a $900 dac, but since I had the extra cord, it made sense.

I have been running DAC1 for over 2.5 years 24x7 now. (Yes, it is designed to be on all time not just turn on and listen kind of deal). Stock DAC1 is a bid thinner in mid. I send my DAC1 to Empirical Audio for Turbo and opamp mod to BB OPA627. The result is first class.. The mid and bass is a lot more weighty. High is even more airy and extended then before. The best part is after the mod, the holographic imaging factor increase dramatically. I feels air and space between each instruement inside the music. Comment from some of my audio friends who are analog guys "This is just like playing analog on the mid and high. Bass is much better than analog. The best part for DAC1 over analog is that there are a lots of pops and hiss from the album but DAC1 is clean and crisp". After listened to my system, they are thinking to move to digital with computer music now.. I use RWA SB3 as transport to drive my DAC1 with XLR output to my BAT VK31SE.

Your description of the DAC1 is what I noticed to. I also think it is pretty amazine. All the subtle changes it offered made for a very involving and listenable presentation. It doesn't seem to add any extra umph, but gives an honest listning experience.